Atlas Copco opens rock reinforcement competence center in Austria

2004-10-06

Atlas Copco inaugurated, on September 17, its first dedicated development center for rock reinforcement technology, with the aim to make rock excavation and underground operations safer and more productive.

The center, based in Feistritz/Drau, Austria, in the hard rock Alpine region at the heart of Europe’s tunnelling activities, is the former headquarters of MAI Ankertechnik, which Atlas Copco acquired in 2001. Major investments have been made in new manufacturing machines and up grading of existing facilities in order to increase productivity and lower production costs.

“This dedicated technology center for the development of superior rock reinforcement products has been created to serve the worldwide tunnelling, mining and construction industries,” says Herbert Papousek, General Manager of Atlas Copco MAI “As a result of this investment a considerable amount of market-driven product development will be possible, and customers worldwide can expect to see many new and interesting products coming from Atlas Copco in the years ahead.”

Atlas Copco’s rock reinforcement product line was relocated to Austria to join Ankertechnik’s product line, enabling the Company to utilize common resources and facilities in a more efficient and productive way. In line with the Group’s strategy of continuous
innovation, the center has the goal to offer innovative, value-added products for demanding rock reinforcement and ground engineering applications.

A wide range of products has been introduced since 1979, when Atlas Copco applied for patent of the unique Swellex bolt system. Innovative products such as Super Swellex, Midi Swellex, Connectable Swellex and more recently Plasticoated Swellex, the Swellex Hanger, Swellex Premium line and the Swellex Hybrid bolt have all contributed to expand sales to different rock reinforcement applications.

In close cooperation with the drill and bolting rig designers in Örebro, Sweden, new and improved concepts for the Boltec rigs have been developed for underground applications, such as the cable bolter, which was introduced this year at the Kemi mine in Finland. Additionally, surface drill rigs have been adapted for mechanized installations of MAI Self Drilling Anchors.

The rock reinforcement competence center is part of Atlas Copco Underground Rock Excavation division, within the Construction and Mining Technique business area.

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